Six Chinese nationals without valid documents were arrested at the checkpoint of the Thanlwin (Salween River) Bridge in Mawlamyine Township in Mon State, according to sources close to the Mon State police.

Around noon on May 7th, four Chinese men, two Chinese women, and a Myanmar driver were arrested at the checkpoint operated by the Military Council at the Thanlwin Bridge in Mawlamyine.

"The news that six Chinese nationals have been arrested is correct. They were found without any visas and passports, during a search of their car by inspection teams on the bridge. The driver was also detained along with them at the Dinewunkwin police station”, a source close to the Mawlamyine Police Department confirmed.

The source added that the Chinese nationals arrived in Mawlamyine from Myawaddy in Karen State and planned to continue their journey to Moke Ta Ma.

A case has been opened against six Chinese nationals who entered Myanmar without documents under Section 13/1 of the Immigration Law, while the driver has been charged under Section 13/5 for encouraging and assisting foreigners to enter Myanmar illegally.

"The six Chinese nationals have been charged with a violation of Section 13/1 of the Immigration Law, while the young driver has been charged with a violation of Section 13/5”, said a source close to the Mawlamyine immigration office.

Sources close to the immigration office stated that between November 2022 and May 2023, at least 30 Chinese citizens entered Mon State without proper documentation and were subsequently prosecuted under immigration laws, resulting in deportation.